The Pursuit of Writing: Why Writers Choose to Continuously Pen Their Stories

It often feels like a daunting challenge to embark on writing a novel when we consider the reality that only a handful of authors achieve significant commercial success. However, the primary reason individuals choose to write novel after novel, poem after poem, and story after story, is deeply rooted in their passion for creative expression and personal fulfillment. In this exploration, we delve into why people choose to write regardless of the financial uncertainties.

Finding Meaning in Creative Expression

Believe me, I did not become a parent to earn money. Raising children, in this day and age, has become an increasingly costly endeavor, requiring time and financial investment. Yet, we do it because it brings meaning and joy into our lives. Similarly, engaging in creative work, such as writing, is a deeply personal endeavor that often transcends financial motivations.

Writing for Personal Fulfillment

While the prospect of earning a living as a writer is often slim, many continue to write because it brings them immense personal satisfaction. From poetry to novels, the act of creation provides a sense of purpose and joy, even if the path to recognition is fraught with challenges.

Writers' Stories: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Take, for instance, my own journey. In 2018, around the age of 75, I decided to start writing simply as a whim. My days were spent at the computer, either reading or engaging in the endless discussions on Quora. To avoid this routine, I began to write, and the rest, as they say, is history.

My first book, initiated as a 69,000-word draft, was far from perfect. It needed a stronger foundation for character development, leading to its transformation into a sequence of three books. Through countless edits, these initial works have grown into a story of 123,089 words, a journey that has taught me valuable lessons about storytelling and dialogue.

A Never-Ending Quest for Improvement

Currently, I am working on a series of 31 books, centered around a single protagonist. Additionally, there are others that explore different genres, and a story told by a woman recounting her life experiences. The act of writing becomes a learning process, and every draft yields new discoveries and insights. Although few have read these works, writing remains my primary means of staying engaged and productive.

Writing Without an Outline: A Fresh Approach

Unlike many writers who begin with a detailed outline, I prefer to start with a blank page and a seed of an idea. This approach allows for greater flexibility and creativity. Sometimes, the initial idea may wilt, but it paves the way for a different narrative to flourish.

Enjoying the Process

For me, the thrill of writing lies in the act of creation, not solely in publication. The stories I craft are over 90,000 words long, each telling a tale that I have read and revised countless times during the editing process. It is essential to enjoy what you write, as it is your labor of love that keeps you motivated throughout the long and often challenging process.

Concluding Thoughts

Writing for some is not merely about hitting bestseller lists. It is about letting go of ideas, allowing creativity to flow, and finding personal fulfillment through the act of creation. For those who write, the journey itself is just as rewarding as the end result. And, while the road may be long and uncertain, the joy of storytelling remains a driving force for many.